Cat Paradise
Istanbul is famously known as a "Cat Paradise". Cats have been part of the city’s history since the Ottoman Empire.
They helped control rodents in wooden homes and became essential to the city's culture.
Today, residents of Istanbul actively care for stray cats, offering food, water, and shelter. Locals are deeply committed to the well-being of these cats.
In Islam, cats are respected, considered clean animals, and loved by the Prophet Muhammad. This adds to their special place in Turkish culture.
Laws in Turkey now offer better protections for animals. You’ll see cats everywhere—cafes, parks, streets, and even public transport.
Istanbul’s cats are treated as part of the community, not just strays. The city's residents demonstrate that compassion and care can create a unique urban environment where both humans and animals can thrive together.